Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think?
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2009-08-24 4:08 PM |
Expert 1116 Thornton, CO | Subject: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? Someone jokingly posted something about how there should be a retro triathlon in the forum on another thread a while back and it's been stuck in my head ever since. I've been thinking and researching what kind of rules there would be for a race like this. Here's what I've come up with, what would you add/change about them?
Clipless pedals have been around for a while (since the 1800s) but didn't become a commercial success until around 1983 since they were considered death traps. Hinault used them in Le Tour in '86 and Lemond and Hinault used them in '87. So an 'early 80s' could ban clipless pedals and require flat pedals or clips. The first triathlon specific wetsuit was made in the lat 80s, like 1988 or 1989 I believe. So do you hold it in a warm enough month that you can ban wet suits or do you only allow surfing wetsuits? Aerobars were first used in 1986 for the RAAM and then popularized by Lemon in 1989 at Le Tour. So an "early 80s" tri could ban then, but a "mid-late 80s" would allow them (but remember... no carbon) based on my 10 year old bike shorts and their complete lack of a chamois like they have now I'd think that padded bike shorts are banned... but neon colored spandex shorts are highly encouraged. Should everyone have to wear some vintage style Adidas or Nike running shoes? |
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2009-08-24 4:22 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Veteran 217 Alexandria, VA | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? Awesome idea. I actually have a pair of cycling shorts with a real chamois in it from 1988. Elastic is shot (not because my waist has grown since then....) A few more rules: * if wearing socks, tube socks only. Pulled up. With colors on the shin. * Garmins? Forget it. * mandatory headbands. Optional wristbands. * volunteers must wear acid washed jeans. Acid washed jeans shorts are okay too. * 1 minute penatly assessed for every guy w/o a John Oates/Freddy Mercury mustache. |
2009-08-24 4:30 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Extreme Veteran 417 Buford GA | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? zionvier - 2009-08-24 5:08 PM based on my 10 year old bike shorts and their complete lack of a chamois like they have now I'd think that padded bike shorts are banned... but neon colored spandex shorts are highly encouraged. Sound fun and just as expensive as starting to do real tris trying to gather some of the equipment. On the note of bike shorts though I have some from around 1995 that have chamois and I know as a kid growing up my dad had some from the 70s that had padding, probably chamois of some sort as its been around forever. I wouldn't necessarily knock that out as it could cause more harm than good and prevent someone from training post race if they were hurt. Since I messed up my achilles tendon and was not sure I could finish my first race I had planned to not shave and get a headband and aviators for my now walk portion of the race. But I got annoyed and trimmed it last week and looks like i can run so thats down the drain, this thread reminded me of my initial plan. |
2009-08-24 4:36 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Expert 1116 Thornton, CO | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? Ok, so padded bike shorts would be allowed. I guess I just had some horrible shorts 10 years ago I love the tube socks with the colored bands, I wonder if you can even find them anymore. |
2009-08-24 4:41 PM in reply to: #2367634 |
Elite 4048 Gilbert, Az. | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? zionvier - 2009-08-24 2:36 PM Ok, so padded bike shorts would be allowed. I guess I just had some horrible shorts 10 years ago I love the tube socks with the colored bands, I wonder if you can even find them anymore. Bladed spokes were available as early as 1983, IIRC. When I started racing in 1984, I had a tri suit with chamois. Aerobars appeared on tri bikes as early as 1986. I think Softride debuted sometime in the 80's as well, but I don't recall exactly. I had Look Time pedals in...85? maybe 86. John |
2009-08-24 4:55 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
New user 219 | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? I think earphones should be allowed on the run portion |
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2009-08-24 4:58 PM in reply to: #2367653 |
Expert 1116 Thornton, CO | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? tkd.teacher - 2009-08-24 3:41 PM Bladed spokes were available as early as 1983, IIRC. I was trying to find mention of bladed spokes, but couldn't find anything that far back in time about them. I wonder when they first came out. Aerobars appeared on tri bikes as early as 1986. Sounds pretty correct on the time frame from what I could dig up. It seems there's a small debate about exactly when touring cyclists first made them and how quickly triathletes slapped them on their bikes. I had Look Time pedals in...85? maybe 86. You were up on your cycling tech back then because Look had only introduced their 'snow ski binding' influenced design in '84 and was considered the first commercially successful clipless pedal, even though others existed in the past. |
2009-08-24 5:34 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Pro 6520 Bellingham, WA | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? I still have my bike from the early eighties when I did a couple of seasons of triathlon. I had some leather cycling shoes that had a groove in the bottom (cleat) and was cinched down with a leather strap. If you fell, the bike would just tumble with you. I had a yellow rock climbing helmet and a pair of Hind spandex shorts. |
2009-08-24 5:50 PM in reply to: #2367692 |
Elite 4048 Gilbert, Az. | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? zionvier - 2009-08-24 2:58 PM tkd.teacher - 2009-08-24 3:41 PM Bladed spokes were available as early as 1983, IIRC. I was trying to find mention of bladed spokes, but couldn't find anything that far back in time about them. I wonder when they first came out. Aerobars appeared on tri bikes as early as 1986. Sounds pretty correct on the time frame from what I could dig up. It seems there's a small debate about exactly when touring cyclists first made them and how quickly triathletes slapped them on their bikes. I had Look Time pedals in...85? maybe 86. You were up on your cycling tech back then because Look had only introduced their 'snow ski binding' influenced design in '84 and was considered the first commercially successful clipless pedal, even though others existed in the past. Yeah, I was on a B team that was sponsored by a local bike shop (The A team was the pro team), so I was always hanging out there and checking out new stuff. I thought bladed spokes were sometime in the early to mid 80's, but I can't remember exactly when, so it's entirely possible it could have been later. Edited to add: did find a blog that said wheelmakers were experimenting with bladed spoke shapes in the 70's, so early 80's is possible. John Edited by tkd.teacher 2009-08-24 5:58 PM |
2009-08-24 6:22 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Veteran 499 El Segundo, CA | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? I recall reading in Tim Krabbe's The Rider that back in the day, folks used to convert their rounded spokes to bladed spokes with a hammer and a hard, flat surface. Don't think I'd want that kind of thing condoned in a modern race, even a modern retro race. Great idea! What about this approach- rather than banning certain modern conveniences (carbon fiber, TT helmets, etc.) in this race, you either: 1. Give stiff time penalties for folks that use them, or 2. Give significant time bonuses for folks that use retro stuff, or 3. Both This would not preclude folks from participation if the only race gear they have is all modern. If they have some cool 80's gear (or the $$ to buy some), more power (and less time) to 'em. The race then becomes a competition of who's fastest as well as who has the coolest retro race gear. Instead of a race shirt, every participant could be given a pair of (fake) Oakleys. The type with huge reflective lenses, no frames, and neon yellow/green/pink sides. Mandatory for race participation. |
2009-08-24 6:32 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Elite 2791 Denver | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? I am in. Where do I sign up? |
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2009-08-24 6:34 PM in reply to: #2367692 |
Veteran 181 OBX, NC | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? zionvier - 2009-08-24 5:58 PM tkd.teacher - 2009-08-24 3:41 PM Bladed spokes were available as early as 1983, IIRC. I was trying to find mention of bladed spokes, but couldn't find anything that far back in time about them. I wonder when they first came out. I know that I had bladed spokes on american classic hubs in 1986. (the hubs had to be slotted by hand) I just can't remember who made the spokes..... |
2009-08-24 8:30 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Master 1690 Metro NY Area | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? I wore wool cycling jerseys and shorts with real chamois in the 80's . |
2009-08-24 9:02 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Extreme Veteran 591 New Port Richey, FL | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? It doesn't matter if cycling shorts had introduced chamois or padding. Everyone has to wear a speedo. |
2009-08-24 9:17 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Master 2158 | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? I was waiting for the speedo to be mentioned. |
2009-08-24 10:03 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Regular 534 Philadelphia | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? Flat shoes? Neon bike frames? Aqua Net? If this ever happens, I am totally in. |
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2009-08-25 12:42 AM in reply to: #2368234 |
50 | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? I got my outfit picked out... inspired by Lance of course... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/07/22/early.lance/content.7.html |
2009-08-25 5:24 AM in reply to: #2368115 |
Master 2665 The Whites, New Hampshire | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? Meerkat Surprise - 2009-08-24 10:02 PM It doesn't matter if cycling shorts had introduced chamois or padding. Everyone has to wear a speedo. He!!s yeah! No freakin' bike shorts on the tri... And mesh shirts mandatory. In neon, obviously. As for affording it, you'd be amazed at what you can find at Goodwill, freecycle, or Salvation Army (if you shop there). You'd probably need to get handy with some grease/lube and do some maintenance, but I bet you could dig up a steel frame pretty quick for short money. Maybe even a top-of-the-line ultra-fast racing bike made from aluminum!! |
2009-08-25 7:35 AM in reply to: #2367567 |
Extreme Veteran 542 Pauls Valley, OK | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? Yep, speedos and a mesh shirt, and soft shell helmets with mullets. Check out my avatar, no mullet though. Ha! I was also using aero bars starting in 1987. Scott DH, goofy looking things. I still have my set in the garage. I was also using clipless pedals starting in 1987. They were being promoted by Scott Tinley. http://www.aerolitepedals.com/products.htm They were absolutely horrible. I can't remember how many times I pulled my feet off the pedals just to slam my calf down on the front sprocket. There were people racing with disc rear wheels. I couldn't afford those, so I had a nylon wheel cover for my rear wheel. Example - http://www.twainmein.com/bike/Steelman.htm |
2009-08-25 7:56 AM in reply to: #2367567 |
Master 1810 Morse Lake, Noblesville, Indiana | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? My first Du was the Blacksnake in 1987, in Johnson County, Indiana - Camp Atterbury. I had aerobars, an aluminum frame Fuji, as well as clipless Look style pedals. I agree with no Gu/Hammer, etc, but at the time, I ate stale Peeps and jelly beans - it's not much different. I also had taped a banana to the top tube then - heck, I still do that now sometimes. |
2009-08-25 8:00 AM in reply to: #2367567 |
Master 1410 White Plains NY | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? men should be required to sport that "80's" moustache |
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2009-08-25 8:10 AM in reply to: #2367567 |
Veteran 274 Arvada | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? |
2009-08-25 8:22 AM in reply to: #2367567 |
Subject: ... This user's post has been ignored. |
2009-08-25 11:29 AM in reply to: #2367812 |
Extreme Veteran 417 Buford GA | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? Longshot - 2009-08-24 7:22 PM I recall reading in Tim Krabbe's The Rider that back in the day, folks used to convert their rounded spokes to bladed spokes with a hammer and a hard, flat surface. Don't think I'd want that kind of thing condoned in a modern race, even a modern retro race. I was reading the reply right before this one about how they were "experimenting" with bladed spokes and the first thing that popped into my mind was yeah I bet they just hit them with a hammer.. Technically if done right it can strengthen a part, think about blacksmiths and also sword makers.. Still agree, probably not the safest thing. |
2009-08-26 4:36 PM in reply to: #2367567 |
Veteran 812 | Subject: RE: Retro 80s Triathlon? What do you think? Should there be a separate category for "fashion" winners. Lance provides all of the style points here: http://i.a.cnn.net/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/07/22/early.lance/001088032.jpg |
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